The decision was made after inspectors identified a number of violations during an audit of the organization’s operations. The association was given until April 2026 to address the issues, but the requirements were not met, which led to government intervention.
For the entire duration of the suspension, the association is barred from engaging in collective rights management activities. Specifically, “AUTORITY” can no longer enter into contracts with users of protected works, collect royalties on behalf of authors or performers, or issue licenses for the use of intellectual property.
It is important to note that this decision applies exclusively to the collection of royalties. The “AUTORITY” Association retains its status as a non-profit organization but, for the next six months, loses the right to act as an official intermediary between artists and those who use their works. If the identified violations are not rectified within six months, AGEPI may take the extreme measure of permanently revoking the organization’s operating license.
The agency emphasized that the goal of these actions is to ensure a transparent and fair process for all authors and artists in the country. Currently, there are eight collective management organizations in Moldova.
It should be noted that hearings were recently held in parliament, where it was stated that the current copyright reporting system is unsustainable, and that the non-transparent distribution of collected funds is the main systemic problem.
AGEPI is currently in the process of revising the legislation on copyright and related rights with the aim of harmonizing it with European Union directives. The new law is expected to be adopted by the end of the year.
